What is ‘bamboo-copter’, its links to China and Japan; how it inspired modern helicopters

The bamboo-copter is one of the most famous gadgets from the pocket of Doraemon, an iconic robot cat from a Japanese cartoon series who employs futuristic devices to assist a clumsy boy, notably enabling the protagonists to fly. In fact, this gadget is inspired by a Chinese invention that dates back over a thousand years. The bamboo-copter was one of the earliest gadgets presented to the boy Nobita Nobi by the robotic cat character from the 22nd century. It made its first appearance in the manga...